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Lansing, Mich. — Michigan Saves, the nation’s first nonprofit green bank, today announced it will now offer a 50/50 cost-sharing incentive through its Lead Poisoning Prevention Fund (Lead Fund). The program was established in 2022 to fill a critical gap for homeowners who do not qualify for free home lead abatement services from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. It is the sole lead abatement financing offer in Michigan.
“We’re proud to offer this impactful cost-sharing initiative as part of our ongoing commitment to support healthy and thriving communities across the state,” said Chanell Scott Contreras, president and CEO of Michigan Saves. “Our mission is to make home upgrades more affordable for all Michiganders, and this incentive is a significant step toward that commitment.”
Through the Lead Fund, Michigan Saves connects customers with its network of authorized contractors to remove lead-based paint hazards in their homes. The program includes a complimentary lead inspection, risk assessment and technical assistance for homeowners.
This impactful incentive coincides with Michigan’s new lead-screening mandate, which went into effect January 1, 2024. The law requires physicians to test minors for lead poisoning at ages one and two. Four-year-olds in high-risk areas must also be tested, along with two- to six-year-olds without prior testing. The effort aims to address lead poisoning in Michigan, which ranked third highest in the nation for elevated lead levels in children in 2021. This statistic reflects the significant number of Michigan homes built before lead-based paint was banned in 1978.
“Michigan Saves recognizes the need for greater identification and mitigation of lead-based hazards in our homes. Through a 50/50 cost-sharing approach, we’re making the process more accessible and affordable,” said Nishaat Killeen, Michigan Saves senior project manager. “Our hope is that this will encourage more people to take advantage of the program’s benefits.”
The cost-sharing incentive is available for projects of $2,000 or more, with Michigan Saves’ loan amounts ranging from $1,000 to $100,000. Once a homeowner has the results of their inspection in the form of the lead inspection and risk assessment report, they can work with a Michigan Saves authorized contractor to develop a project scope of work.
To learn more about the Lead Fund and to enroll in the program, visit the dedicated page on the Michigan Saves website.
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About Michigan Saves
Michigan Saves, the nation’s first nonprofit green bank, is dedicated to making clean energy improvements easier for all Michigan consumers. Through affordable financing and other incentives, Michigan Saves connects borrowers to a network of skilled contractors for energy efficiency, geothermal and solar installation projects. Michigan Saves believes an equitable transition to a carbon-free Michigan where everyone has access to the benefits of clean energy and climate-resilient solutions is possible. Through consistent outreach, quality workmanship and affordable funding, Michigan Saves promotes accessible, equitable and just investments in energy efficiency and clean energy to support healthy and thriving communities. For more information, visit www.MichiganSaves.org and follow us on Facebook @michigansaves, X @MichiganSaves and LinkedIn @michigan-saves.
